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USA Today Sports Media Group

Sport

glenn erby

Projecting the Ravens depth chart for divisional round matchup vs. Texans

Baltimore (Organization) Baltimore Ravens Ravens Texans MT Bank Stadium (Organization) USA TODAY Sports the Baltimore Ravens United States Isaiah Likely Ronald Darby

We’re a little over five away from the Ravens (13-4) and Texans (11-7) kicking off the AFC divisional round of the playoffs on ESPN.

Houston advanced to the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs for the fifth time in franchise history with a 45-14 win over the Browns in Super Wild Card Weekend.

The playoff win earned the Texans a rematch against the Ravens, and they’ll return to M&T Bank Stadium hoping to avenge a 25-9 loss in Week 1.

Baltimore has ruled out Marlon Humphrey for the contest, while Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews won’t be active after being listed as questionable.

With Humphrey out, Brandon Stephens and Ronald Darby are the likely starting cornerbacks against C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins and the Texans’ dynamic passing attack. Darby has made seven starts this season, as Humphrey will miss his eighth game.

Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney returned from an illness that kept him out of practice Wednesday and told reporters he’ll play. Wide receiver Zay Flowers (calf) and outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (ankle) also both returned to full practice and said they’ll suit up.

With kickoff fast approaching, here’s a projected two-deep depth chart for Baltimore.

QB

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) takes to the field before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Starter–Lamar Jackson
2nd–Tyler Huntley
3rd–Josh Johnson
Inactive–Malik Cunningham

RB

Dec 24, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) rushes during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Starter–Gus Edwards
2nd–Dalvin Cook
3rd–Justice Hill

Baltimore’s current backs — Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill — have not created big plays, combining to average 4 yards per carry over the past seven games.

Cook is fresh and the Ravens signed him for a reason.

WR

Dec 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) reacts against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Starter–Odell Beckham Jr.
Starter–Rashod Bateman
Devin Duvernay

Beckham shines on the biggest stage, and he’ll start desoite being on a pitch count.

WR

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) reacts as he takes the field prior to an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023 in Baltimore. (Michael Owens via AP)

Starter–Zay Flowers
2nd–Nelson Agholor
Devin Duvernay

Flowers will make his playoff debut against Derek Stingley Jr.

TE

Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) runs following his catch for a second quarter touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Starter–Isaiah Likely
2nd–Charlie Kolar

With Mark Andrews not activated, Likely will get an oppotunity to continue his hot streak at the tight end position.

Likely hauled in both of his targets for 31 yards and a touchdown in the Week 18 loss to the Steelers. Likely continued his recent success with a 27-yard catch in the second quarter for his fifth touchdown over his last five contests, and he’s has generated 17 receptions off 20 targets with 282 yards and five scores since Andrews went out.